GoBenin Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 According to the visa free agreement between China and Benin, holders of diplomatic passports, official passports, or ordinary official passports can stay in Benin visa free for 90 days. Starting from September 20, 2023, Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports are eligible for visa free entry to Benin and can stay for 30 days every 90 days. After entry, those who need to stay in Malaysia for a long time can apply for a long-term residence visa and an alien residence card at the Immigration Office. For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of Benin in China.

2、 Passport and visa verification are required for entry and exit, and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures (Yellow Book) should be carried.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Benin Customs implements a passenger entry declaration system, but there is no clear regulation on personal belongings that individuals can carry. In principle, self use items with reasonable quantities do not need to pay customs duties. But the inspection of electronic products such as mobile phones carried by passengers is stricter, and if the quantity exceeds two, tariffs are often imposed. The prohibited items to carry include weapons, explosives, ammunition, narcotics, etc.

2、 In addition to a valid passport and visa, a yellow book must also be presented upon entry. Since Benin is a tropical area with many diseases, it is recommended that those who come to Benin temporarily select cholera, typhoid, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and other vaccines.

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Foreigners who wish to stay in Benin for a long time must apply for residence visas and alien residence cards to the Benin Immigration Bureau within three months after entry. When applying, please submit the following documents: nationality and birth certificate (issued by the Embassy in Benin), residence certificate, health certificate indicating that the applicant has no infectious diseases, proof of economic source, school registration certificate, labor contract or other professional department certificate, certificate of no criminal record, and proof of return to the country of origin with or without a deposit.

2、 Benin recognizes dual nationality. If foreigners intermarry with Beninese, they can apply for Benin nationality; Born in Benin and with one parent being Beninese, one can apply for Beninese citizenship (with a hospital birth certificate, municipal birth certificate, and both parents' identification documents, one can apply for a Beninese ID card and passport).

Benin's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall political situation in Benin is stable and the social security is good, but there are occasional cases of theft, robbery, economic fraud, and other crimes. Piracy in the southern Gulf of Guinea has become increasingly rampant in recent years, posing a threat to fishing boats and cargo ships, while terrorist activities are frequent in the northern border areas. Due to its border with Nigeria, there have been occasional incidents of armed robbery by Nepalese nationals crossing the border in Benin. Chinese citizens need to be vigilant and avoid traveling to the northern border areas of Beibei unless absolutely necessary. They should try not to go out at night and should not carry large amounts of cash or valuable items with them. They should also avoid traveling to less populated areas such as beaches in the early morning and at night. In economic communication, it is important to understand the customer's reputation and economic strength, verify their various business licenses, engage in legal business, and conduct fair transactions to avoid being deceived. When an accident occurs, it is necessary to report it to the police station in a timely manner and provide valid evidence.

natural disaster

Benin has a tropical climate throughout its territory. The southern region has a Guinea type climate with high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with an annual maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, and an annual rainfall of about 1300 millimeters. The southern region is divided into four seasons: November to March is the dry season, and February to March is the hottest; The rainy season is from April to July; The period from July to September is a mild dry season with a pleasant climate; September to October is the light rainy season. The northern region has a Sudanese climate: there is a large temperature difference between day and night, with an annual minimum temperature of 8 degrees and a maximum temperature of 42 degrees, and an annual rainfall of about 1000 millimeters. The northern region is divided into two seasons: the dry season from November to May of the following year, the hottest months from March to April, and the rainy season from June to October.

During the dry season of January and February in Benin, there is often a dry and hot northeast wind from the Sahara Desert, mixed with sediment, also known as the "Hamadan wind", which has a significant impact on air quality and has a certain negative effect on the yield of early sown crops.

FDA

Benin is located in West Africa and has a high incidence of tropical diseases, with malaria and cholera being the most common. It is recommended to bring your own medication before coming to Benin. Pay attention to food hygiene in daily life, eat less raw and cold dishes such as salads, and avoid drinking raw water.

Urgent Help

General alarm number: 166

Fire alarm: 118.

Bandit police: 117.

Cotonou National Central Hospital: 00229-21300656.

air traffic

Cotonou International Airport is capable of handling large aircraft such as Boeing 747 and Airbus. Air France, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Türkiye Airlines, Moroccan Airlines, Ivory Coast Airlines, Rwanda Airlines, Mauritania Airlines, Asky and other airlines operate in Benin, and there are multiple flights to and from Paris, Brussels and other regions of Africa every week. There is no direct flight from China to Benin. Generally, we choose to transfer in France, Belgium, Ethiopia or Türkiye.

Airport phone number: 00229-21301413.

land transport

The total length of Benin Railway is over 680 kilometers, of which 579 kilometers are main trunk lines. The main road section connects Cotonou and Paraku, with a length of about 440 kilometers, and has been in disrepair for a long time.

The total length of roads is about 15700 kilometers, including about 6076 kilometers of national roads, about 1800 kilometers of Class II and third-class highway, and about 7800 kilometers of rural roads.

Chinese driver's license cannot be used in Benin. You can exchange your Chinese driver's license for a local driver's license at the Benin Transport Bureau and return it to China when leaving Benin.

All vehicles must drive on the right side with fewer traffic lights. There are a large number of motorcycles in the local area, and motorcycle owners have weak awareness of traffic safety and fast speeds, so extra attention should be paid to safety.

water communication

Cotonou Port is an important regional transshipment port with a water depth of 9 to 15 meters, capable of accommodating ships of up to 10000 tons. The throughput in 2022 is approximately 12.5 million tons.

Urban transportation

Benin has almost no urban public transportation, but "motorized" is more popular and affordable. The taxi service has been implemented since July 2017 and is currently operating in major cities across the country, such as Cotonou, Porto Novo, Seme Bogi, Vinda, Alada, Boyigon, Abome Calavi, Paraku, and Nadi Dangu.

major city

Cotonou is the seat of the government of Benin, located in the southern coastal area of Benin, adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea and the Norque Lagoon to the north. It is the largest port and city in the country, as well as the political, economic, transportation, and foreign trade center of Benin. The government agencies of Benin, as well as the diplomatic missions of various countries and international organizations stationed in Benin, are all located in Cotonou.

Porto Novo is the capital of Benin and the location of the National Assembly and some government institutions. It is one of the oldest cities in Benin and still retains a strong ancient African urban style.

Commodity prices

The local price level is relatively high, and except for locally produced agricultural products, the vast majority of daily necessities rely on imports, which are relatively expensive. In the south, especially in the city of Cotonou, the supply of materials is relatively abundant, and daily necessities can basically be purchased in the market or supermarket. The local currency in circulation is the West African Franc, pegged to the Euro, with a stable exchange rate. One Euro is equivalent to 656 West African Francs, and one Chinese Yuan is equivalent to 89 West African Francs (as of October 2023). The popularity of bank cards is low, and cash payments are generally used. In recent years, mobile payments have also developed in Beike, and the government and some merchants are working hard to promote the use of mobile banking payments.

Insurance Medical

The medical conditions in Benin are limited, and although there are hospitals and private clinics in major cities, the medical equipment is outdated. Hospitals only prescribe prescriptions for general patients and do not sell drugs, which must be purchased separately from pharmacies. Benin is a high-risk area for malaria, typhoid fever, cholera, etc., and mosquito nets, mosquito repellent, and antimalarial drugs must be prepared. Pay attention to dietary hygiene, eat less raw and cold food, and prevent the occurrence of intestinal diseases. In addition, Benin has a hot climate, so when traveling, it is important to pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling. It is recommended to bring a small amount of commonly used drugs, such as antimalarial drug Ketaixin, antibiotics, and drugs for treating gastrointestinal diseases, before coming to Beibei.

Customs taboos

About 11.6% of Beninese residents believe in traditional religions, about 48.5% believe in Christianity (mainly Catholicism), and 27.7% believe in Islam. Most Beninese people do not have special taboos, and when interacting with local Muslims, they should pay attention to respecting the relevant Muslim lifestyle habits. When traveling to rural areas around cities, it is important to note not to take photos without the consent of the locals.

Communications Power

The coverage rate of fixed line telephones in Benin is relatively low. The coverage of fiber optic networks has been continuously expanding in recent years, while broadband network fees are high and stability is average.

To make a landline call to a domestic number in Benin, simply dial from the off hook. Dialing international long-distance numbers from landline: First dial 00, then dial the international long-distance area code, and finally dial the phone number.

Mobile phones are more commonly used, and the dialing method is the same as landline phones. In 2017, Benin's internet company implemented a real name system reform, and only valid documents such as one's passport can be used to apply. The price of MTN company's phone card is 200 West African francs per card. There are three mobile communication companies in Benin (with MTN and MOOV holding an absolute share), each with their own communication network. The cost of dialing each other is 1 CFA Franc/second, and calling within China from a mobile phone is 30 CFA Francs/minute, which is 0.33 yuan.

Benin Digital Infrastructure Company (formerly known as Benin Telecom), MTN, MOOV and other communication companies provide 3G and 4G network services, with the option to choose a data plan of approximately 2500 West African francs/2300 million (valid for 20 days).

The power supply is 220V AC. The plug is a European standard plug.

contact information

General alarm number: 166

Fire alarm: 118.

Bandit police: 117.

Ambulance: 00229-21301769; 00229-21300656.

Cotonou National Central Hospital: 00229-21300656.

Airport: 00229-21301413.